Jensen Weir’s 75th-minute header gave Wigan Athletic a precious 2–1 victory over Barnsley at the Brick Community Stadium, lifting Latics out of the League One relegation zone.
Fraser Murray put Gary Caldwell’s side ahead before the break, but Cameron McGeehan’s second-half equaliser left the contest finely balanced. With both teams badly needing the points, Weir supplied the decisive touch to settle it in Wigan’s favour.
Murray makes the breakthrough
Joe Whitworth was called into action by an early Luca Connell free-kick, while Murray began to carry a threat at the other end. Cutting inside onto his right foot, he drew a diving save from Cieran Slicker.
The warning was followed by the opener on 36 minutes. Given another opportunity around the edge of the area, Murray curled a low finish into the far corner to send Latics into half-time a goal up.
Barnsley hit back
Jon Mellish had an opportunity early in the second half but could not make a clean connection. Barnsley then drew level in the 57th minute, with Reyes Cleary creating the opening and delivering a low cross for McGeehan to finish.
Slicker subsequently came off his line to deny Christian Saydee, keeping the scores level as the game moved towards its final quarter. Caldwell introduced Scott Hogan and Ryan Trevitt in place of Saydee and Connor Barrett.
Weir delivers the winner
The crucial moment arrived with 15 minutes remaining. Morgan Fox delivered from the left and Weir rose at the far post, heading high into the net to restore Wigan’s lead.
Brad Burrowes went close to adding a third, but Latics ultimately needed only the two. They saw out the closing stages to turn a tense afternoon into an important home win.
A result to build on
This was a victory built on persistence rather than control. Caldwell acknowledged afterwards that Barnsley had been the stronger side after the interval, but praised his players’ determination and togetherness in finding a way to win.
There is still plenty for Latics to improve, but recovering from the equaliser to claim all three points gives them something tangible to build on. On an afternoon when the result mattered enormously, Wigan delivered.
Goals: Murray 36, Weir 75; McGeehan 57.
Attendance: 8,484, including 711 Barnsley supporters.
Referee: Stephen Parkinson.